Sarasota Wedding Venues
Recently, Sarasota wedding planner NK Productions and Visit Sarasota County teamed up to showcase wedding venues in the area. Along with fellow Aisle Society editors Every Last Detail and Glamour and Grace, we spent three amazing days experiencing luxury weddings in Sarasota.
Ritz Carlton Sarasota
We kicked off our wedding tour with a lavish dinner at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota. This dream wedding venue is at the top of every couple's wish list. It offers the best of both worlds, waterfront views near downtown Sarasota and beachfront events at the Beach Club, just three miles away.
Our evening included a unique chef created menu featuring Roasted Corn Saffron Bisque, Compressed Watermelon and Tomato Salad and Beef and Grouper Duo. Dessert was mouthwatering with Fried Cookie Dough Bonbons and Stuffed Cheesecake Macaroons.
To complement the grandness of the luxurious Sarasota wedding hotel, NK Productions teamed up with So Staged, Write on Sarasota, Linens by the Sea and Cat Pennenga Photography to create a vintage, glam outdoor reception with a mirrored table, white and blush pink centerpieces and an art deco vintage lounge.
As with any good host, we were given two of my favorite favors ever, Bourbon and Bowties jewelry and stemless glass of the state of Florida with a heart on the Sarasota location. I honestly have never gotten more compliments on any piece of jewelry that I've worn; everyone always asks about the bracelets!
Before returning to our rooms at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, we ended the evening watching the sunset over the Ritz's outdoor terrace, taking in the elegant atmosphere and enjoying great conversation, the perfect elements to any social event.
MORE: RITZ CARLTON SARASOTA WEDDINGS
Venue: Ritz Carlton Sarasota | Photographer: Cat Pennenga Photography | Planner: NK Productions *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro | Florals & Rentals: So Staged | Stationery: Write On Sarasota | Linens: Linens by the Sea
Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum is not only an iconic landmark in Sarasota, but it's also home to the Ca d’Zan mansion, one of the most sought after wedding venues in area. The Italian inspired home of the founders of the Ringling Bros. Circus was built in the 1920's and boasts multiple outdoor event spaces, including the waterfront Ca’ d’Zan Terrace and the Greek and Roman inspired Museum of Art Courtyard.
We were treated to a tour of the mansion, Belvedere Tower and the courtyard, which included an opulent gold sweetheart table vignette with an acrylic calligraphy menu and greenery with varying shades of purple flowers.
Venue: Ringling Museum | Photographer: Cat Pennenga Photography | Planner: NK Productions *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro | Florals: Victoria Blooms | Rentals: So Staged | Linens: BBJ Linens | Menu: Meg Grant & Co.
Selby Gardens
One of the highlights of this Sarasota wedding venue tour was visiting Selby Gardens for the first time. Known for its tropical plants and waterfront setting, the gardens offer a variety of outdoor wedding locations.
Sarasota wedding planner NK Productions organized a romantic, whimsical garden luncheon on the manicured gardens underneath the sweeping trees and a canopy of chandeliers. The design literally made me gasp! The clear ghost chairs, white floral centerpieces and dark wooden table provided the perfect balance of modern elegance combined with nature.
Venue: Selby Gardens | Photographer: Cat Pennenga Photography | Planner: NK Productions *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro | Florals: Flowers by Fudgie | Rentals: So Staged | Stationery: Write On Sarasota | Linens: BBJ Linens | Canopy: Affairs in the Air, Inc. | Caterer: Michaels on East
Longboat Key Club
One of the great aspects of getting married in the Sarasota area is the variety of waterfront locations. We ventured away from downtown to the relaxed vibe of Longboat Key. The Longboat Key Club offers a secluded barrier island setting in the Gulf of Mexico and features a beach, marina and indoor ballroom settings.
I particularly loved the spin of the traditional nautical themed decor that we experienced at the resort. NK Productions paired a navy blue and white linen with pomegranate place cards and and tropical centerpieces. The large LOVE art piece immediately caught my eye, as did the gold sequined wedding cake.
With the breeze blowing off the marina's waters and sailboat backdrop accenting the sunset, it was such a relaxing and inviting dinner.
Venue: Longboat Key Club | Photographer: Cat Pennenga Photography | Planner: NK Productions *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro | Florals: Flowers by Fudgie | Place Cards: Write On Sarasota | Linens: Linens by the Sea | Cake: Cakes by Ron
Blush Bridal Sarasota
We spent our final day in Sarasota having a girls' afternoon in the downtown “bridal district.” After a mani/pedi at Paint Nail Bar, which features vegan-friendly and formaldehyde-free products, we strolled down the street to Blush Bridal Sarasota. The couture wedding dress salon carries high-end designers such as Hayley Paige, Ines di Santo and Reem Acra. When you walk in, you'll notice that the shop itself just as beautiful as the gowns! The floral print wall and oversized gold mirror makes you never want to step off the perfectly placed bridal stage.
We've known boutique owner Fondren Watts for years and have had the pleasure of attending New York Bridal Market with her as she curateed wedding dresses straight from the runways of NYC.
Just a couple of blocks away, we said our farewells at downtown Sarasota wedding restaurant Louies Modern, the perfect spot for a rehearsal dinner (and make sure to check out the restaurant's adjacent wedding reception venue The Francis).
Bridal Shop: Blush Bridal Sarasota | Bridesmaid Dresses Designer: Camilyn Beth | Lunch Restaurant: Louies Modern
*Accommodations were provided by Visit Sarasota, however all thoughts and opinions are those of Marry Me Tampa Bay.
